Thursday, June 18, 2009

Myth of the Maxi Dress - part one

I've noticed women lamenting the world over that maxi dresses are hard to wear. They think if they are short and/or not rail-thin, they won't be able to wear them.

This is nonsense and an utter shame because maxi dresses are uber-flattering...they create long, lean lines. Who doesn't want that?

Think about it. Why are women encouraged to wear the same colour from head to toe? Because it creates the illusion of length. This is what a maxi dress does.

Maybe some of you are afraid that the maxi is a dowdy, unsexy look. This is true... if you are shopping for maxi dresses in the Little House on the Prairie Store. But nowadays, sexy maxis can be found everywhere. Some are strapless, some have sexy thing straps, some have sleeves but sleek and streamlined, elegant styles are abounding this season!

Or perhaps some of you think the maxi is a one-note look. I will quickly tell you...that's wrong!

For example, you may think you can't wear a maxi to work. I thought that too, until I made it work. How?

By pairing it with STRUCTURE. A dress shirt works wonders, as does a blazer or a neat cardigan.

Add a classic belt and delicate but stable shoes...

And you have a look that will take you to work and then cocktails afterwards!

If you really want to channel your inner hippie, that's not so hard to do either. Just add some rockin' aviators (iced coffee, optional).....

Wanting a more sexy, mysterious look that will have all heads turning your way? Try pairing your maxi with exotic jewelry...it's practically made for showcasing your bling!

Last night my man and I decided on an impromptu picnic...the beach is only two blocks downhill from us and yet we never seem to venture there. So glad we did - I really take my city for granted sometimes :)

Anyways, I hope you got something out of this. Remember, I am by no means thin nor tall and yet everytime I wear a maxi I get compliments from people...I've had strangers stop me in the store and tell me they love my dress, I've had parents ask me if I got taller or lost weight...it's great! On that note, nothing goes better with a maxi than super tall platforms! Hidden underneath the dress, you're bound to appear super tall...naturally!

So give maxis a go if you haven't already. I have several already and plan on getting more. Nothing is more comfortable during the summer...it feels like you're hanging out in your nightgown all day, but certainly doesn't have to look it :)

dear lord, woman! you took the words right out of my mouth. actually im glad i didnt see your post until after i wrote mine because you worded everything much better. i'll definitely be linking to this in my weekly web round-up :) p.s. you look gorgeous!

The maxi is growing on me... when they first showed up on celebs in magazine pics, I thought they were shapeless and unflattering - they were just wearing glorified mumus, lol! Then I started seeing people add things to lend them more shape, like a belt, or the dress itself had a waist... and now I think I'd actually wear one. I'm not exactly a curvy girl, so a long shapeless dress doesn't do much for me.

haha, as I was reading this I kept saying "yes, but... I feel like I'm wearing a nightgown!!" Every time I try one on, I think how comfy it would be to lounge around my house in one, but haven't been able to convince myself to take the plunge...

I have to agree. I love maxi dresses (I have a tie dyed one that is blue and love it)! It is uber comfortable and if I am having a fat day no one knows...if it is long, then you can simply pull it up while you are walking. It's not too much of a pain. How fun to have a nice picnic with your man! Looking at your pics of the sailboats makes me SOOO excited to go sailing on Saturday! Wait, didn't you say you are too? Have a lot of fun, ok? Anyway, you look beautiful - love the belt as well; I always enjoy your fashion tips. Have a super day love!

Fun post and cool ideas. I do avoid maxis myself...but I think it's a comfort level. Sometimes wearing a new piece for the first time pushes you outside of your comfort level and you have to adjust. :)

You look amazing in that maxi dress! I agree, a lot of people are too afraid to wear maxis but theyre just so feminine and comfortable at the same time. I would trade in most of my jeans for maxi dresses.

What an awesome post! I love your maxi- and I have a few myself because they do make me look a lot taller when I hide my 5 inch platforms underneather ;)In fact, I just a maxi dress from Walmart (I know, the devil) the other day for $15 and it is super flattering.

I totally agree, I am a maxi girl (does that sound right? :) ), comfortwise - ace. The mini is old and people really underestimate the appeal of less is more. The elegant line can't be matched by anything shorter. Good post and the peering into the camera picture - sweet :)

Well, I wish I could wear a dress like that but having huge boobs and nothing to support them does not work well for me. I need to wear a bra or I look like a granny with boobs hanging to my waist. So unfortunately I am in that category of women who can not wear that kind of look.

This is such great advice, you've inspired me to wear one! I'd still recommend wearing these with some sort of heel just in case the hemline is too long for flats. Pairing your maxi with a belt was a brilliant idea.

About Me

I've been many things in my life: an aspiring screenwriter, a journalist, a marketing lackey, a vagabond solo traveler, a frugal fashionista, a music journalist and now, an author of a much-loved Young Adult supernatural series - one thing that'll never change? My urge to be Anywhere But Here.